Food Evolution

Food Evolution is a 2016 documentary directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy. The film was produced by Scott Hamilton Kennedy and Trace Sheehan. Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Food Evolution tackles the schism that has arisen between scientists and consumers over how to feed our expanding population safely and sustainably.

Prior to production, the Food Evolution producers conducted over 100 Skype interviews with experts in food, science, agriculture, and activism. After thorough research, filming began around the world, from Hawaii to Kenya, with Larkin Donley as cinematographer. Editors included Alex Blatt, Scott D. Hanson, and Scott Hamilton Kennedy with music by William Kingswood.[1]

The film was critically very well-received. It currently has an approval rating of 100% on review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.5/10 by top critics.[5]

Kenneth Turan of the LA times describes the film as, “the unusual issue film that deals in counterintuitive reason rather than barely controlled hysteria.” [6]

Serena Donadoni of LA Weekly referred to it as a, “scrupulous, optimistic documentary” describing, “the new reality for American scientists: the challenge of reaching a public bombarded by conspiracy theories and fear mongering.” [7]

John DeFore of the Hollywood Reporter said of the film that it is "A polished and provocative call for activists to be as scientifically minded as they believe they are.” [8]

Daniel Gold of the New York times said, “With a soft tone, respectful to opponents but insistent on the data, "Food Evolution" posits an inconvenient truth for organic boosters to swallow: In a world desperate for safe, sustainable food, G.M.O.s may well be a force for good.” [9]

It was also chosen as a Critic’s pick by the New York Times [9] and has screened in over 200 locations around the globe as of July 2018. [10]